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• You are responsible for the cost of removal or disposing of nonstandard chemical when it is no longer
needed.
• Make sure your containers are compatible with the chemical mixture. To verify container compatibility
visit: http://www.coleparmer.com/Chemical-Resistance
As a research lab we understand that researchers will always need to test, characterize, and use new chemicals.
However, since we are a shared resource, the actions of any individual can significantly affect the work of others.
Thus, it is absolutely essential that every researcher be conscientious about handling of personal chemicals.
5.3 Working with Liquid Chemicals at the Wet Benches
Chemicals may be used only at exhausted wet benches. (The exception is the limited use of squeeze or spray
bottles containing mild solvents for cleaning; see below). Wet benches are designed for the safe use of chemicals;
only designated chemicals or classes of chemicals may be used at each wet station. Every wet bench has
perforated deck to allow efficient amount of exhaust. DOT NOT block or cover these holes, this will allow you
to have a safe work surface area to use chemicals. All handling of chemicals must take place under exhaust
hoods. There are two general types of wet benches in the lab: those used for “Standard” processing and those used
for “Non-standard” processing. To use a wet bench, you must be trained and qualified in its safe use.
‣ “Standard” exhausted wet benches
They must be used only for standard processes and chemicals, as described in the operating procedures for each
station. Although very limited, non-standard processing may be accommodated at these benches, any nonstandard
chemical or procedure requires advance authorization from INRF/BiON staff.
Standard wet benches are designed to handle whole cassettes of wafers and have a range of semi-automated
modules (hot pots, wet tanks, dump rinsers) for processing cassettes. Each standard wet bench has dedicated lab
ware, in order to avoid cross-contamination (do not use lab ware from one bench to another bench).
Because designated process modules are used at standard wet benches, no beakers or other chemical containers
may be used for processing at standard wet benches (no Hazardous In-Use forms should be used at any standard
wet bench). By standardizing chemical usage at these Standard benches, we can ensure predictable, and therefore
safe, processing at these stations.
‣ “Non-Standard” exhausted wet benches
Wet benches: are manual stations and can be used for a broader range of chemicals, within the limits of what is
considered chemically compatible for each station. Beakers and other chemical containers may be used at these
stations, but only if accompanied by the information needed to identify what the container contains. Blank forms
are available at each Non-standard wet bench and in the gowning room area. The information required on the
Hazardous In-Use form is as follows:
• Date
• Your contact information (name, phone, login)
• Name of the chemical (no acronyms or abbreviations, please)
• Hazard Category
Use of the Hazardous In-Use forms is strictly enforced; failure to abide by this is considered a gross violation of
UCI safety policy and will be dealt with accordingly. Please remember, this is a shared facility and
communication of lab activities that pose potential safety concerns is absolutely critical.
‣ Squeeze or spray bottles
Bottles containing mild solvents (acetone, isopropanol, or methanol) are the only chemicals that may be used
outside of the wet benches. They still should, however, be stored at the wet benches, and they must be properly
labeled. They should be used only very sparingly outside of wet benches, because of their low vapor pressure,
and they should be mostly be used at solvent wet benches not near any electrical equipment.
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